Read Online Belle (The Daughters of Allamont Hall Book 2) by Mary Kingswood - Free Book Online Page A

money, so it is as well for me to learn how to manage.”
    “You still plan to accept James, then?”
    “I do. It will be a most beneficial arrangement, on both sides.”
    “Now you sound like Mary,” Amy said sadly. “Or Mama. I wish you could find someone to love, dear Belle. You work so hard and never think of yourself, and I do not like to think of you throwing yourself away on Cousin James. Mr Ambleside says he is not at all steady.”
    “Yes, Mary said much the same, as I recall. Young men are often a little wild as they grow up, but marriage and a little more regularity in his life will settle James down. And I shall like to live at Willowbye extremely. It has an excellent library.”
    “Really?” Amy said, looking at her sister doubtfully. “You would wish to leave this house, where we grew up and had so many happy times?”
    “So many—? Your memories must be more pleasant than mine, sister. Did we not tiptoe round the house like little mice so as not to disturb Papa? And every hour of every day with its allotted activities — lessons, music practice, reciting in Greek, and every achievement tested and recorded. Even mealtimes had their fixed topics for discussion, and a sermon or a chapter of a history book to be read later. There was only our hour of needlework each day to look forward to, when we could at least talk freely, and a public ball in Brinchester once a month. Yes, I shall be glad to leave Allamont Hall.”
    “It was so pleasant to have everything orderly,” Amy said. “I liked knowing exactly what I must do each day, and which gown to put on. I shall miss the garden, too, although I have such plans for the grounds at Staynlaw House. Mr Ambleside says that—”
    But at that moment, Mr Turner made an exclamation of triumph. “There, Miss Allamont! The lock is free. You may examine the contents at your pleasure. You’ll not be able to lock it again, not unless you find the key, so you’ll want to keep it safely hidden.”
    “Thank you, I shall. It will go back inside the chair directly.”
    “Aye, that’s a good place for it. I’d not have thought of looking there. I keep my strong box under the floorboards.”
    “Under the floorboards? Really? So the other boxes might even be somewhere in this room?”
    “Oh, aye. All that’s needed is to cut across a board, then lift the loose piece. All kinds of things can be kept secret that way, with a piece of rug to hide the spot.”
    “Thank you, Mr Turner, you have been most helpful.”
    As soon as he had departed, the two ladies turned to the newly opened box. With trembling fingers, Belle lifted the heavy lid. Inside was treasure unimaginable — coins wrapped in cloth, and rolls of notes.
    Amy’s eyes were wide. “Why, there must be hundreds of pounds in here.”
    “Thousands, I hope, for that is what I shall need to settle all our accounts. Oh, look — another key! And not the same as any of the others. Why is there a key in every box, yet none of them work?”
    “But surely it fits this box?” Amy said.
    “How can it? The box was securely locked with the key inside it.”
    Amy’s face fell. “Oh. Of course. How foolish I am.”
    Belle tried it it the lock anyway, and was unsurprised to find it to be of no use. “Well, it is a mystery. Another mystery,” she amended.
    “Oh, Belle, listen! Can you hear a horse coming up the drive? Perhaps it is Mr Ambleside. You will not mind if—?”
    “Indeed, go and meet him, by all means. I am come to the tedious part of the procedure anyway, when I must add up the value of all this money. Run away and enjoy Mr Ambleside’s smiles.”
    Her sister skipped off, her pretty face alight with happiness. Belle sighed. It would be so delightful to fall conveniently in love with an adoring man of handsome appearance and good income, but she had no expectations for herself. If she paraded herself about sufficiently, she would certainly find a husband who would gloat over her fortune while